Lieutenant Specialist Logan Garber Named Pogue-Elms Wildlife Officer of the Year

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:59:02 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is proud to announce Lieutenant Specialist Logan Garber as the recipient of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Pogue–Elms Wildlife Officer of the Year Award, one of the highest honors in wildlife law enforcement. Garber was recognized for his leadership in combating international wildlife trafficking, advancing investigative technology and strengthening officer safety while protecting California’s fish and wildlife resources.

This award is presented annually by WAFWA, which represents 23 western states and Canadian provinces. The award honors the legacy of Idaho Fish and Game officers Bill Pogue and Conley Elms, who were killed in 1981 while attempting to arrest a poacher in a remote area of southwestern Idaho. It is one of the highest recognitions in wildlife law enforcement and is awarded to an officer who demonstrates exceptional courage, dedication, leadership, and technical skill.

Garber’s work at some of the busiest international ports in North America has uncovered complex trafficking networks operating across California and worldwide. His efforts have strengthened partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security, TSA, Los Angeles World Airports Police, major shipping carriers and others. His inspections have led to numerous significant investigations, including a major ongoing case involving more than 500 violations related to the unlawful importation of live fish. Garber combines rigorous enforcement with proactive outreach to importers and exporters, improving compliance, increasing prosecutorial success, and elevating CDFW’s standing within the international trade community.

A highly skilled and innovative investigator, Garber uses advanced digital forensics, intelligence gathering, online monitoring, confidential informants, and surveillance techniques. His deep understanding of international shipping and regulatory processes—and his willingness to mentor colleagues—has made him a valued resource throughout the Law Enforcement Division.

Garber also leads in the use of emerging technologies. He is a key departmental expert in translation tools, digital forensics platforms, investigative databases, GPS tracking systems, and social media-based warrants. His ability to spot investigative leads during routine port inspections has significantly strengthened CDFW’s capacity to detect, investigate and disrupt the illegal wildlife trade.

In the area of officer safety, Garber played a major role in researching, testing, and implementing the Department’s Team Awareness Kit (TAK) blue‑force tracking system, which has significantly improved statewide situational awareness and operational safety.

His work in ports enforcement also contributed to the passage of Assembly Bill 1319 (2025), which strengthens California’s ability to intervene in illegal wildlife importation by criminalizing violations of other states’ wildlife laws.

Within CDFW, Garber serves as a tactical paramedic, Field Training Officer, Drone and First Aid Committee member, Peer Supporter, and recognized subject matter expert. His professionalism, humility, and dedication have enhanced CDFW’s capabilities statewide.

CDFW congratulates Lieutenant Specialist Logan Garber on this distinguished honor and thanks him for his outstanding service to California’s natural resources. His selection as WAFWA’s Pogue-Elms Wildlife Officer of the Year reflects not only his exceptional service, but also CDFW’s ongoing commitment to protecting California’s fish and wildlife through innovation, collaboration and excellence in conservation law enforcement.

Media Contacts:
Kory Collins, CDFW Law Enforcement Division, (310) 944-8182
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

San Diego Area Wildlife Officer is CDFW’s 2021 Wildlife Officer of the Year

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:23:44 GMT

Warden Austin Smith has been named 2021 Wildlife Officer of the Year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced.

Warden Smith started his wildlife officer career in 2016 and has been an exceptional investigator, dedicated officer and a true asset to CDFW. Smith’s investigations have involved many deer, wild turkey and illegal firearms violations. He also took the initiative to learn various aspects of unlawful commercial fishing, becoming highly proficient at Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel investigations. In Smith’s first six years with CDFW, he issued a total of 1,345 citations.

In addition to Warden Smith’s crime-solving skills, he has also dedicated himself to supporting public safety. In late 2019, Smith participated in a multi-agency Search and Rescue mission at the CDFW-managed Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area in rural San Diego County. A woman who was hiking the area had been reported missing by her husband. Smith used traditional tracking skills by following her footsteps away from her parked vehicle. Tracking is a skill lost to most of society and mastered by even fewer. Smith followed the tracks for several miles into the wildlife area and located the injured, dehydrated and disoriented woman. Smith transported the woman back to the parking lot where she was met and treated by paramedics.

And despite his short tenure in the Law Enforcement Division, Warden Smith makes it a priority to mentor probationary wildlife officers as a POST-certified Field Training Officer. He is also a designated arrest and control instructor, TASER instructor and evidence custodian.

“Warden Smith is very deserving of this award for his contributions to protecting our precious resources and keeping the citizens of California safe,” said David Bess, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of the Law Enforcement Division.

CDFW is thankful to Warden Smith as his singularly distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, CDFW and the State of California. But the best “thank you” Warden Smith could ever receive was back in 2021 in the parking lot of the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area. A man approached him in the lot and not immediately recognizing him, described to Smith how he loved wildlife officers. The man said he was extremely grateful to them as one had saved his lost wife’s life at the same wildlife area a few years earlier. That officer was indeed Warden Austin Smith.

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Media Contact:
Capt. Patrick Foy, CDFW Law Enforcement Division

Photo:
Warden Austin Smith, CDFW file photo

CDFW News

Lieutenant Specialist Logan Garber Named Pogue-Elms Wildlife Officer of the Year

San Diego Area Wildlife Officer is CDFW’s 2021 Wildlife Officer of the Year